Prune Creek
4.5372 reviewsUS HIGHWAY 14
Prune Creek
$20.50 - $20.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.50
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard nonelectric sites are charged at $20.50 per night during peak season. Extra fees apply for additional vehicles ($10/day for a second vehicle).
About this campground
Nestled along the breathtaking Bighorn Scenic Byway near Burgess Junction, Wyoming, Prune Creek Campground serves as your gateway to adventure in the heart of the American West. Whether you're casting a line into pristine mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or discovering ancient sacred sites, this thoughtfully managed campground by Gallatin Canyon Campgrounds offers the perfect basecamp for your Wyoming wilderness experience.
Prune Creek Campground primarily offers standard non-electric campsites suitable for tents and RVs, emphasizing a rustic and natural camping experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in spiritual significance and natural wonder. Just a short drive away, the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark stands as a powerful testament to Indigenous heritage—a sacred geoglyph that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Complete your cultural journey at the Shell Falls Visitor Center, where interpretive trails and engaging exhibits reveal the rich tapestry of human and natural history that shapes this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the crisp mountain air and crystal-clear skies that define Wyoming's high country. While sun-drenched days invite outdoor exploration, the evening brings a dramatic temperature shift that will have you reaching for your warmest layers. Even in the height of August, temperatures can plunge to near-freezing after sunset, creating those perfect campfire nights under a blanket of stars.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,700 feet above sea level, Prune Creek Campground offers a true high-altitude escape. Here, the thin mountain air brings refreshingly cool temperatures and rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks—a photographer's paradise where every sunrise and sunset paints the mountains in spectacular hues.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of the South Fork Tongue River flowing past your campsite, its waters reflecting the towering Bighorn Mountains that embrace this pristine wilderness. Towering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their shade providing cool respite while sheltering an abundance of wildlife that calls this mountain ecosystem home.
Geological RegionThe dramatic Bighorn Mountains rise like ancient sentinels around the campground, their craggy granite peaks soaring to heights exceeding 13,000 feet. This geological wonderland, carved by millennia of natural forces, is blanketed in dense forests of lodgepole pine that whisper stories of the wild Wyoming frontier with every mountain breeze.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. No additional details on accessibility options are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious. For instance, one user noted, "Sites are large, scenic, and clean," while another shared, "The sites are roomy!"
Sites PrivacySeveral users mention the privacy of campsites. One review highlights, "The site was nice and well-kept, and we even had two moose wander across the creek and into our campsite," suggesting a serene and private environment.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 6 is praised for being close to the creek but away from traffic. Site 9 is spacious and ideal for families. Site 18 offers privacy and is next to the creek.
Best CampsitesSite numbers 6, 9, and 18 are highly rated for proximity to the creek and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Official check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum limit of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles allowed per site, additional vehicles incur a charge.
Groups
No designated group camping site information is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites include picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern poles. Loops are described as spacious and shaded by lodgepole pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and reservable from June 5th to September 15th, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and reservation fee is non-refundable. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Prune Creek Campground provides a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. The nearby Sibley Lake supports non-motorized boating and features an accessible fishing dock. Multiple reviews reference excellent moose-watching opportunities in the area.
Hiking
The campground provides access to diverse hiking trails, ranging from loops to trails along creeks and mountain peaks. These trails also connect to the Cloud Peak Wilderness. One user noted, "Nearby hiking at Shelby Lake provided much-needed exercise," and another mentioned, "We did a lot of hiking on the many trails there."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the nearby streams and Sibley Lake. One user commented on the fishing quality, "The fishing was good in the creek and the lake up the road," while another noted, "There are plenty of fish to catch."Biking
There are biking opportunities in the area, including ATV trails and scenic jeep roads that can also be used for biking. Specific terrain details are not provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported at nearby Sibley Lake, which features an accessible dock for launching canoes and kayaks.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent moose sightings reported by users. For instance, one user stated, "We saw the most awesome bull moose meandering through the camp," and another mentioned, "A moose and her young one walked right through the campground." Elk sightings are also common.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned, but snow and precipitation data indicate potential for activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating on Sibley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are provided. Firewood is sold on-site.
- Quiet hours are User review mentions generators shutting off around 9 PM; no official policy specified.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include water issues, such as standing water during heavy rains, and wildlife such as moose and bears.
Active alertsWashed-out bridge remains unrepaired for over a decade, according to reviewers.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5th to September 15th, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but there is no mention of dedicated recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along the South Fork Tongue River; nearby Sibley Lake offers non-motorized watercraft use and fishing.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include proximity to the highway causing noise, water issues, and maintenance problems like full fire pits and unclean bathrooms.
HostHosts Bob and Jean are frequently praised for their friendliness and efficiency in keeping the campground clean and well-maintained.
Campground Map
US HIGHWAY 14
Driving directionsLocated 26 miles southwest of Dayton, Wyoming along U.S. Highway 14.
The campground is located along U.S. Highway 14, which serves as the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Accessibility is straightforward as it is a paved highway. No specific mention of seasonal closures, but reviews indicate potential hazards like damaged infrastructure (e.g., washed-out bridge).Nearby places
Dayton (26 miles southwest), Shell Falls Visitor Center (23 miles southwest), Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (28 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Arrowhead Lodge, Bear Lodge, and Elk View Inn are nearby and offer off-road vehicle rentals, fishing supplies, and dining options.
Camper Reviews
4.5
72 reviews
Prune Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Prune Creek Campground is well-loved for its serene setting, spacious sites, and abundant wildlife such as moose. Some users have noted maintenance issues, including unclean fire pits and occasional water problems. Road and ATV noise have been mentioned as minor drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 72 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently highlighted include the clean and well-maintained facilities, scenic beauty, friendly camp hosts, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Many users also praised the...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include road noise from nearby Highway 14, unaddressed maintenance problems such as a washed-out bridge, and occasional water service interruptions. Some users also mentioned that the...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing layers for cold nights, booking creek-side sites for the best experience, and bringing water as there have been past issues with water availability. One user also...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with reviewers appreciating the warm weather and active wildlife. Rain and wet conditions have been reported in June, causing muddy areas and high water levels....
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We saw the most awesome bull moose meandering through the camp. Love it." "The fishing was good in the creek and the lake up the road." "The campground is right off the highway but you don’t notice...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite #006 is praised for being close to the creek yet private. Campsite #017 is favored for its proximity to wildlife, including a mama moose and her baby. Campsite #009 is highlighted as ideal...
Based on 72 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are mentioned positively, but no further details about accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges are provided.
Based on 72 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related facilities or experiences beyond this basic mention.
Based on 72 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025